Some people are drawn to big, bold, unmissable frames. Others prefer a more minimalist approach to eyewear. If you’re in the latter camp, you might be drawn to rimless glasses, which eliminate the rim altogether. Instead, the lenses are mounted directly to the bridge and temples. This gives them a sleek, modern, barely-there look. Lightweight and versatile, they’re popular for a reason — but they’re not for everyone. Scroll down to explore the pros and cons of rimless glasses.
What Are Rimless Glasses?
Before we explore why you may — or may not — be interested in rimless glasses, let’s review what makes them distinctive.
Obviously, rimless glasses are known for lacking rims, but how does that affect their overall construction? As we mentioned above, the lenses of rimless eyeglasses are mounted directly to both the bridge and temples without a surrounding frame. Unlike most eyeglass lenses, they aren’t encased by a rim. Instead, the lenses are attached with small screws or mounts, which makes the glasses light and sleek.
Keep in mind that rimless and full-rim glasses aren’t your only options. You might prefer semi-rimless, which are glasses with a frame that only covers part of each lens (usually the top edge).
Why You Might Love Rimless Glasses
Wondering if rimless glasses are right for you? Consider whether the following benefits appeal to you:
- Lightweight. Because they lack bulky frames, they’re extremely light.
- Comfortable. You’ll barely feel them! They’re great for all-day wear.
- Inconspicuous. They keep the focus on your face and eyes, not the frames.
- Versatile. They work well with any outfit, whether formal or casual.
- Understated. They’re a classic, timeless, and elegant option.
- Modern. They offer a sleek subtlety and will never feel old-fashioned.
- Streamlined. They ensure you have a full view of your surroundings, uninterrupted by thick frames.
- Forgettable — in a good way! If you’re not particularly fond of wearing glasses, whether due to comfort or appearance, rimless glasses might be your best bet. Due to their lightweight construction and barely-there appearance, you might be able to trick yourself into thinking you’re not wearing them!
While full-rim frames still dominate the eyewear market, rimless glasses have been growing in popularity. Whether you’re drawn to their lightweight comfort or their sleek minimalist design, rimless glasses might be the perfect option for you.
Why You Might Dislike Rimless Glasses
To balance out all those pros, let’s explore some of the cons of rimless glasses. They might not be a good fit for you for the following reasons:
- Not a great option for high-prescription lenses. Thick lenses may look bulky in a rimless style. In addition, because rimless styles require lens drilling and offer less protection, they’re usually not a good fit for high-prescription lenses.
- Less durable. Because they lack a full frame, rimless glasses are more prone to bending and breaking. They’re less practical for people who play sports or engage in rough activities (even just wrangling a wild toddler!).
- Shorter lifespan. Because they’re less sturdy, they typically have a shorter lifespan.
- More maintenance. You’ll need to keep an eye on the screws and mounts, as they can loosen over time and require tightening.
- More expensive. Because they require precision hardware and lens drilling, they’re typically more pricey.
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Whether you’re interested in rimless glasses or not, if you’re planning to buy new frames and you live in southwest Missouri, contact Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an email to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!